Pioneer Press Football Offensive Player of the Year: Julian Love

Matt Harnessmharness@tribpub.com

No matter how Nazareth’s Julian Love got the ball, he knew the best way to get it down the field. The 5-11, 175-pound junior wide receiver either caught or ran the ball 87 times this season for 1,368 yards, an average of 15.7 yards per touch, and scored 19 touchdowns.

Love’s playmaking ability helped the Roadrunners finish 14-0 and win the Class 6A championship for the school’s first state title. Love, who also started at defensive back, was named the East Suburban Catholic player of the year. The Westchester resident has offers from Illinois and Illinois State.

Pioneer Press sports reporter Matt Harness caught up with Love after Nazareth’s best season in program history.

Q: Nazareth won a state title in its first appearance in the championship game. Tell me about the bus ride back to LaGrange Park.

A: For the first 45 minutes or so, it was electric and alive. People were screaming, calling family, friends, girlfriends. Then, we all fell asleep. It was a long day, and we were so tired.

Q: You started on offense and defense for two varsity seasons now. Which side of the ball do you prefer?

A: I don’t really know. I do love running with the ball, and I like scoring. But I probably will play defense at the next level, either cornerback or safety. I know I can do a lot of things for a team. I even can throw the ball a little. I asked coach [Tim] Racki all season about throwing a halfback pass. We practiced it so many times, but we never did it during the game. That’s a tragedy.

Q: The team’s offensive line, which averages 6-3 and 285 pounds, arguably is the best in the state and makes your job much easier. In terms of eating, who’s the best on that unit?

A: [Senior] Mike Owens. They all pride themselves on eating the most food. After every practice in the summer, they would go to Chipotle together. They would get two burritos each. During team breakfasts, they would have contests to see who could eat the most breakfast sandwiches. Mike puts away the most food by far. They were the heart of our team, and we owe all of our success to the hogs.

Q: You don’t have a lot of offers right now, but I imagine that will change soon. What’s your first choice?

A: Ever since I was little, I’ve loved Notre Dame. My dad, too. It’s my favorite school, and it would be a dream to play for them.

Q: Who’s your favorite football player?

A: Barry Sanders. I wear No. 20 now and so did he. I was really little when he was playing, but I loved watching him. On defense, it’s probably Ed Reed, who played for the [Baltimore] Ravens and also wore No. 20. Those are some of my idols.